Cybercrime in India – Informative excellent article and analysis of India’s Cybercrime Scenario by Harsh Bhalke, Law Student of ABMSP’s Yashwantrao Chavan Law College, Pune.  Glad to share the article on the request.

Cybercrime In India

Harsh S. Bhalke ABMSP`s Yashwantrao Chavan Law College, Pune

Abstract

As India keeps on digitizing, cybercrime has turned into a critical concern. Find out about the types, history, and significant occurrences, alongside measures you can take to safeguard yourself, and regulations to handle this rising issue.

Introduction

In India, cybercrime has become a significant problem in parallel with the explosive rise of technology and internet usage. The country has seen an increase in cyberattacks, fraud, hacking, and data breaches as a result of a surge in internet activity. Individuals, businesses, and governments all are potential targets. Law enforcement organizations are working to improve cybersecurity safeguards, yet obstacles still exist since hackers’ strategies are developing. To effectively tackle cyber risks in India, government and business cooperation, public education, and advancements in technology are crucial.

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is a term used to refer to any illegal act involving a computer or network. There are various ways this could occur, including hacking, online provocation, and monetary extortion.

Cybercrime exists in many different forms, and new risks are constantly evolving. Phishing is a common form of cybercrime that includes scamming people into revealing sensitive data by using fake emails or websites. An additional version of cybercrime known as ransomware encrypts the data of a victim and demands money to decrypt it. For example, important details like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information. Another form of cybercrime is cyberbullying, which involves the use of internet platforms to obstruct, harass, or threaten other people. It may lead to financial losses, reputational damage, or even physical harm.

By taking the necessary steps, you must protect yourself against online crime. It consists of:

1. Using sturdy and unique passwords
2. Using antivirus software and firewalls
3. Being aware of suspicious emails or messages
4. Avoiding public Wi-Fi networks
5. Staying up with the latest software updates.
6. Use Two-Factor Authentication

In addition, organizations should ensure that their employees are trained in cybersecurity best practices and that policies and procedures are in place to quickly detect and respond to cyber threats. This could include regular security awareness training, incident response planning, and network monitoring.

You can reduce your risk of being a victim by taking necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and the devices you use.

India’s Cybercrime Scenario 

The Scale of the Problem

Around 27,000 cybercrime cases have been accounted for in India in 2020, making it the second-most impacted country on the globe. The way that this is a 63% ascent from last year shows the developing danger of cybercrime in India. The landscape of cybercrime is constantly changing, therefore it’s critical to recognize that in order to manage risks and defend against cyberthreats, individuals, organizations, law enforcement, and government agencies must work together to address this issue.

Industries Under Threat

Government, online business, and the financial business are the most ordinarily designated, even though people are likewise habitually focused on. These ventures include a ton of delicate information and capital; accordingly, cybercriminals habitually target them.

Cybercrime in India over the years

1. In 1999, The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre’s computer systems were successfully breached by a hacker group known as the “Indian Internet Outlaws,” which committed India’s first cybercrime.
2. The first incident of cyber terrorism in India was reported in 2008 when Indian government websites, including the website of the Indian Army, were allegedly targeted by suspected Pakistani hackers.
3. The Commonwealth Games, hosted in Delhi, were disrupted by a cyber-attack in 2010 that exposed sensitive data, including athlete profiles and event schedules, on the Games’ official website.
4. A significant data breach involving 3.2 million compromised debit cards from Indian banks took place in 2016. A malware attack was blamed for the incident.
5. Over 2 lakh computers were affected by the WannaCry ransomware outbreak in 2017 across the globe, including those of major Indian companies.
6. In 2018, it was discovered that the personal information of millions of Aadhaar card holders in India was easily accessible online, leading to fears of identity theft.
7. India witnessed a 63% spike in reported cases of cybercrime in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Cybercriminals used the epidemic as an opportunity to start phishing scams. 
8. In 2021, a major scandal erupted over the use of Israeli spyware Pegasus to hack the smartphones of Indian citizens, including politicians, journalists, and activists.

Laws and Regulations in India Regarding Cybercrime

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 The IT Act gives lawful acknowledgement to electronic records and advanced marks and characterizes different cybercrimes, for example, hacking, wholesale fraud, and cyberstalking. It likewise accommodates punishments and remuneration for casualties of cybercrimes.

The act was passed in order to allow e-governance, to legitimize electronic transactions and business, and to deter cybercrime. According to this rule, foreign nationals may also be held accountable for any wrongdoing involving a computer or network that is located in India. Penalties for numerous cybercrimes and fraud using digital/electronic format are prescribed by law. Additionally, it grants digital signatures legal recognition.

The Reserve Bank of India Act of 1934, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, the Banker’s Book Evidence Act of 1891, and several other regulations were modified by the IT Act to conform to the emerging digital technologies.

Indian Penal Code (IPC) The IPC contains arrangements that can be utilized to indict cybercrimes like misrepresentation, blackmail, and maligning. For instance, Segment 420 of the IPC manages cheating and deceptive nature. There are several other laws and guidelines related to cybercrime in India, including the Guidelines for Cyber Security Onboard Ships, which provide recommendations for securing critical infrastructure in the maritime sector, and the Reserve Bank of India’s Cyber Security Framework, which outlines the guidelines for cyber security in the banking sector.

Actions Against Cybercrime in India

Criminal Investigations

The Indian government has set up specialized units such as The Cyber Crime Investigation Cell to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes to research and indict cybercrimes. The police have additionally been prepared with cybercrime examination strategies and are outfitted with computerized legal apparatuses to gather and break down advanced proof

Public Awareness Campaigns

The public authority has likewise sent off open mindfulness missions, for example, Digital Swachhta Kendra to teach individuals about network safety best practices. The Service of Home Undertakings has additionally given warnings on the best way to remain safe on the web and how to report cybercrimes.

Collaboration with International Agencies

India has signed agreements with international agencies such as Interpol and Europol to share information and collaborate on investigations. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) also collaborates with other CERTs around the world to exchange information on cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Future Challenges and Concerns

Cybercriminals often exploit human psychology through social engineering techniques. Phishing, vishing (voice phishing), and pretexting continue to be successful methods for infiltrating systems and stealing information, highlighting the ongoing challenge of social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new techniques and tools to evade detection and compromise systems. Simply said, there aren’t enough people with the knowledge and abilities needed to defend against these threats. In recent years, we have seen a rise in artificial intelligence-based attacks, which are particularly difficult to defend against. Ultimately, India needs to continue to invest in stronger laws, better infrastructure, and greater public awareness and education to tackle this pervasive threat.

Although AI can improve cybersecurity, there are drawbacks as well. AI is being used by cybercriminals more and more to launch automated attacks, which makes it more difficult to identify and stop threats. As AI-driven cyberattacks increase, fake news and AI-generated phishing attempts are growing concerns.

Despite these efforts, the lack of a comprehensive legal framework and the slow pace of investigations and prosecutions are major concerns. As a result, it may be more challenging to convict criminals and stop others from repeating the same crimes. However, the government has taken steps to address these issues, such as setting up a National Cyber Coordination Centre and proposing amendments to the IT Act.

Conclusion

A proactive approach to personal safety is vital, too. Being aware of the most recent hazards and patterns is a must since cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new strategies. Maintain awareness of prevalent phishing and scams by following cybersecurity news sources.

The internet has a fundamental role in our daily lives in the current digital era. The Internet has simplified and organized every aspect of our lives, from social media and online banking to online shopping and healthcare. However, the risk of cybercrime is rising along with this increasing connectedness. Being careful on the internet is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard yourself. This includes creating and using strong passwords, updating software, taking caution when opening emails or clicking on links that come from unidentified sources, implementing security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication as well and exercising caution when disclosing personal information online.

You may reduce threats and stay secure in an increasingly digital world by combining these tactics and exercising caution. Therefore, remain updated, alert, and safe.

References

BARC, 1999

CWG 2010

2016 Malware Attack

2017 Ransomware Attack

2018 Aadhar Card Scam

2021 Pegasus Spyware Attack

Information Technology Act 2000

Section 420 of the IPC